Wyoming is a dream destination for fly fishing enthusiasts, with an abundance of rivers, lakes, and streams offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities. From the Snake River to Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming offers some of the most breathtaking fly fishing destinations in the country. In this post, we’ll cover the best places to fly fish in Wyoming, the species of fish you can target, the best time of the year to go, and considerations to make when traveling to Wyoming to fly fish.
Where to Fly Fish in Wyoming?
Wyoming offers a variety of rivers, lakes, and streams, each with its own unique characteristics and fishing opportunities. Here are some of the best places to fly fish in Wyoming:
- Snake River: The Snake River is one of Wyoming’s most famous rivers and offers access to cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. The river runs through Grand Teton National Park and is known for its stunning scenery and challenging fishing conditions.
- Yellowstone River: The Yellowstone River is located in northern Wyoming and offers access to cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout. The river is known for its deep canyons and scenic beauty, and is a popular destination for fly fishers.
- North Platte River: The North Platte River is located in southeastern Wyoming and offers access to rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. The river is known for its world-class fly fishing and stunning scenery.
- Green River: The Green River is located in western Wyoming and offers access to brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. The river is known for its challenging fishing conditions and stunning scenery.
- Jackson Lake: Jackson Lake is located in Grand Teton National Park and offers access to lake trout, cutthroat trout, and more. The lake is known for its scenic beauty and abundant fishing opportunities.
Species of Fish to Target in Wyoming
Wyoming offers a diverse range of fish species for fly fishers, including cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, brook trout, and mountain whitefish. Here are some of the most popular species to target in Wyoming:
- Cutthroat Trout: Cutthroat trout are a prized species for fly fishers in Wyoming. These colorful fish can be found in many of Wyoming’s rivers and streams, and offer a challenging and rewarding fly fishing experience. Cutthroat trout typically range in size from 8-20 inches, with some larger specimens reaching up to 30 inches. They are known for their hard-fighting nature and acrobatic jumps, making them a thrilling target for fly fishers.
- Rainbow Trout: Rainbow trout are another popular species for fly fishers in Wyoming. These vibrant fish can be found in many of Wyoming’s rivers and streams, and offer a hard-fighting and exciting fly fishing experience. Rainbow trout typically range in size from 10-20 inches, with some larger specimens reaching up to 30 inches. They are known for their aerial acrobatics and powerful runs, making them a thrilling target for fly fishers.
- Brown Trout: Brown trout can be found in several of Wyoming’s rivers and streams, offering a challenging and rewarding fly fishing experience. Brown trout typically range in size from 8-20 inches, with some larger specimens reaching up to 30 inches. They are known for their elusive nature and selective feeding habits, making them a challenging target for fly fishers.
- Lake Trout: Lake trout can be found in many of Wyoming’s larger lakes and reservoirs, offering a unique and exciting fly fishing experience. Lake trout are the largest trout species found in Wyoming, with some specimens reaching over 50 inches in length. They are known for their powerful runs and deep dives, making them a challenging target for fly fishers.
- Brook Trout: Brook trout are a beautiful and colorful species found in many of Wyoming’s small streams and tributaries. These fish typically range in size from 6-12 inches, with some larger specimens reaching up to 16 inches. They are known for their striking colors and willingness to take a fly, making them a fun and rewarding target for fly fishers.
- Mountain Whitefish: Mountain whitefish are a lesser-known species found in many of Wyoming’s rivers and streams. These fish typically range in size from 10-16 inches, with some larger specimens reaching up to 20 inches. They are known for their willingness to take a fly and their hard-fighting nature, making them a fun and challenging target for fly fishers.
Best Time of the Year to Go Fly Fishing in Wyoming
The best time of the year to go fly fishing in Wyoming depends on the species of fish you want to target. Here are some general guidelines:
- Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Mountain Whitefish: The best time to target these species in Wyoming is from late spring through early fall, when the water is warmer and the fish are more active.
- Lake Trout: Lake trout can be targeted year-round in Wyoming, but the best time to catch them is during the spring and fall months when they move into shallower waters to spawn.
Where to stay?
Here are some suggestions for where to stay and what airport to fly into based on which river you’re planning to fish in Wyoming:
- Snake River: If you’re planning to fish the Snake River, you may want to consider staying in the town of Jackson. Jackson is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts. The town is located just south of Grand Teton National Park and is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. If you’re flying into Wyoming, the closest airport to Jackson is Jackson Hole Airport.
- Yellowstone River: If you’re planning to fish the Yellowstone River, you may want to consider staying in the town of Gardiner. Gardiner is located just north of the Yellowstone National Park and offers a range of accommodations, from rustic cabins to modern hotels. The town is a convenient base for exploring the park and the surrounding area. If you’re flying into Wyoming, the closest airport to Gardiner is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, which is located about 90 miles north of Gardiner.
- North Platte River: If you’re planning to fish the North Platte River, you may want to consider staying in the town of Saratoga. Saratoga is located in south-central Wyoming and offers a range of accommodations, from cozy lodges to modern hotels. The town is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area, which includes the nearby Snowy Range Mountains. If you’re flying into Wyoming, the closest airport to Saratoga is Laramie Regional Airport.
- Green River: If you’re planning to fish the Green River, you may want to consider staying in the town of Pinedale. Pinedale is located in western Wyoming and offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly motels to luxury lodges. The town is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area, which includes the nearby Wind River Mountains. If you’re flying into Wyoming, the closest airport to Pinedale is Jackson Hole Airport.
- Jackson Lake: If you’re planning to fish Jackson Lake, you may want to consider staying in the town of Jackson. Jackson is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts. The town is located just south of Grand Teton National Park and is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. If you’re flying into Wyoming, the closest airport to Jackson is Jackson Hole Airport.
In summary, Wyoming offers a diverse range of fly fishing opportunities, with a variety of fish species and breathtaking scenery to enjoy. However, if you want to make the most of your trip and increase your chances of catching fish, it’s highly recommended that you hire a local fly fishing guide. A guide can provide valuable insight into the local fishing conditions, offer expert advice on techniques and equipment, and take you to the best spots on the river. With a good guide by your side, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable fly fishing experience in Wyoming. So, consider booking a guided trip for your next fly fishing adventure in this beautiful state.